Test Hero Home

Richard White of Poverty Bay came home to Gisborne this month after playing his last test match for New Zealand.

With his family by his side, "Tiny" broke the news of his retirement to a crowd of more than 3000 who had gathered to welcome home their hero—the man who had done so much to lower the Springbok flag of Rugby supremacy.

Voices which had been cheering wildly only moments before grew silent, as White announced the end of one of the most remarkable playing careers in the history of New Zealand Rugby.

The last and vital match of the rubber was "Tiny's" twenty-third consecutive test appearance as a lock forward — a record unequalled in the game.

As Rugby Union president Bernie Wolstenholme told the gathering: "No man more richly deserves his retirement.

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The scars of honourable battle still showed on "Tiny's" face when he arrived at reception. His neck-tie carried "V" for victory sign.

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Wearing "victory crown", White arrives with his family.

Rugby officials, footballers, pipe bandsmen and the Maori community, too, joined in the welcome to the Poverty Bay "warrior".

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"Tiny" and Mrs White approach the dais with the Mayor, Mr H. H. Barker.

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Spirited action songs by the Waihirere concert party soon had the waiting crowd in receptive mood, and the traditional Maori challenge and greeting by Panapa Tuhoe gave the proceedings a truly Poverty Bay flavour.

Despite the rigours of the last test and the back injury he received in it, White was anxious to turn out for his club, High School Old Boys, in their championship game the following Saturday. He finally stood down only on medical advice.

When he joins in Poverty Bay's bid for the Ranfurly Shield next week, "Tiny" will wear the scarlet jersey for the last time, but he is certain to maintain his interest in the sport of Rugby.

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Girls of the Waihirere concert party entertain

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Mr & Mrs H. M. White, of Ngatapa, parents of the All Black, are pictured on the dais with members of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union.

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"Tiny" with Mr Wolstenholme and P.B. footballers.

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Mr and Mrs Jock White look after Richard's daughters while their father is at the microphone. At the picture is Mrs Bernie Wolstenholme.

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White announces his retirement. Note big list of playing years on his blazer.